X marks potential threat for dogs

Heloise
Heloise

Dear Readers: Ingestion of the artificial sweetener xylitol is potentially life-threatening for your dog. When the dog consumes xylitol, the body reacts by producing a big release of insulin. This results in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and possible liver damage.

Signs of xylitol poisoning include stumbling, shaking, passing out and having a seizure. Liver damage can appear as low energy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

Which products have xylitol? Diabetic foods and snacks, toothpaste, makeup, lip balm and even medicines.

Read the labels before you bring things home. Keep anything containing xylitol away from your dog. Check with your veterinarian for more information on this artificial sweetener. - Heloise

 

Pet Pal

Dear Readers: Meet border collie Lexi. Jennifer M. and her family in Pittsburgh adopted Lexi this year, and Lexi's smiling; she's pretty happy about her new family.

Lexi's sporting a really fun feature: a thick white stripe between her eyes, also known as a "unicorn horn"!

To see Lexi and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on "Pet of the Week." Do you have a funny and furry family member? Email a picture and a story to HeloiseHeloise.com. - Heloise

 

Smaller Bowls

Dear Heloise: I keep my dog's water in a smaller bowl. This way, the water stays cleaner and fresher. Some think a big bowl is best, but food particles, dust, hair, etc., can fall into the water.- Hannah G. in California

 

Tailgate Time!

Dear Readers: Who's ready for a party? Tailgating is a fun way to socialize and bring your group together before entering the stadium on game day, or before a concert or art festival. Here are some hints to make a terrific tailgate experience:

Running out of food would be bad. Get a head count, and plan for more folks to drop by as the party continues. Also, make sure you'll have enough tableware, plates and cups.

Check with the venue to make sure you can tailgate there, and follow the rules to the letter.

What to serve? Easy-to-consume foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, chips, dips, potato salad, coleslaw, etc. And don't forget the condiments.

Encourage activities for the crowd: dancing, playing badminton or tossing a football. Make sure there's room enough - and no cars zooming about.

Keep a trash container nearby, and encourage guests to be tidy as they eat and drink.

- Heloise

 

Kindness - Pass It On

Dear Heloise: Thought I would pass this on, as it's what I think is a wonderful idea. One of my neighbors had a "kindness sale." It is the same as a garage sale, but no money. You can take what you want, but in return, instead of cash, you have to pass kindness on. - Barb M. in Colorado

What a lovely gesture! Readers, pass it on! - Heloise

 

King Features Syndicate

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